Detailed information on the mandatory requirements can be found in Marine Guidance Notice 411 mgn_411

As a guide, we have summarised these requirements below.

A new entrant is defined as a person who is for the first time gainfully employed or engaged as a crew member on a commercial fishing vessel registered in the United Kingdom.

Before starting work as a fisherman all new entrants must have completed the following course:
1 day Basic Sea Survival / Personal Survival Techniques STCW 95.

Within 3 months of starting work, all new entrant fishermen must complete the following additional courses:
1 day Basic Fire Fighting and Prevention;
1 day Basic First Aid / Elementary First Aid STCW 95; and
1 day Basic Health and Safety

Upon completion of these four courses, it is recommended that new entrants apply to Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish) for a New Entrant photo identification card verifying their compliance with these requirements.

Experienced Fishermen

An experienced fisherman is defined as a fisherman who has been working as a fisherman for two years or more.

In addition to the courses required of new entrants (above), all experienced fishermen, regardless of whether they hold a Certificate of Competency, must complete the following course:

1 day Safety Awareness and Risk Assessment.

Upon completion of this course, experienced fishermen are recommended to apply to Seafish for an Experienced Fisherman photo identification card verifying their compliance with this requirement.

Funding is available for experienced fishermen who have completed their Safety Awareness course and wish to take refresher basic safety training.

For further information on each of the courses, please click on the course pages at the top of this page.